It is indeed one of the toughest concepts to swallow, this idea of death. It happens from moment to moment. Someone passing on “to a better place.”

We hope and pray that is truly the case, regardless of what our fondest, or lack thereof, memories of that person might be.

Then again, sometimes it is not even about where that person is going that troubles us, it is this notion that this relationship found itself slipping away a long time ago.

This person had been dead to us long before their actual expiration date was noted.

I suppose that is what we do as humans. We are constantly moving forward and make new acquaintances and friends. All the while we attempt to hold onto those staples in our lives that for whatever reason molded us into something, for better or for worse.

I am, of course speaking of the relationship one has with his or her dog.

These furry creatures find a way to latch onto something deep in our system. Without even trying they allow us to be our true selves regardless of the surroundings that often constrain us.

There is never a moment where something is more important to them than watching the game and being silent unless I have something to say. All they really want in return is a few pieces of fake bacon and belly scratch from time to time.

Then, for some unknown reason, it is not a chore to anything for a dog. On the contrary, it is a willingness to keep a friend pleased with life. Unfortunately, that is where the dilemma sets in.

The cost of spending countless hours with essentially our ideal and sometimes truly best friend is an ultimate sadness at their passing. We get to know them and understand what their every movement stands for. Despite the fact that their facial expression rarely changes, we have a deep understanding of exactly how they feel because we honestly and truly know them.

They are not just simply a pet, but a part of the family. They are the staple in our life, never turning their backs on us and never traducing.

Like us, they have a predilection towards certain things; they have no problem smelling on a constant basis regardless of how many baths they receive, they often wish they were wearing a polka dot bikini and they truly find it appalling that just because a door is closed we assume that they cannot open it.

The understanding is the hardest part to cope with.

The realization is that their time in relation to that of a human is short.

If you are lucky, they will live for a good 12 to 15 years. The hope is that they live without becoming a part of an unfortunate accident that leaves drivers with a passing sense of how unfortunate that is.

It has become extremely easy for us to lose focus of those things happening around us, those friends who come and go in our lives, those people who have had such a significant impact on our travels.

However, the dog is a constant reminder of what was, what is, and what will soon come. It is a beautiful tragedy that the passing of these “pets” is a subtle reminder of how easily life can come and go.

To cherish and appreciate the simplicities that a dog like a basset hound can bring to a home is something that we should never forget as we wag our tails contentedly through life.

Note: This article was inspired by the life of Cookie Collins, the Basset Hound that lived a marvelous and full life with nothing but love and admiration for all of those that walked along or in her path of life. May she rest in peace: 1996-2009.

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